91 DX-88 SI trans ??????????????

[bulldogg9279]

i want to know if i could put my 91 dx trans input shaft in a 88 si trans; how hard would it be ;and is there any special tools i would need

[transzex]

can be done, alot of headaches though.

Figure ATLEAST 6 hours if you know what you are doing, and I do.

[bulldogg9279]

well i got the dx input shaft out;how much would it cost to have a shop put in for me;i just need a ballpark figure;so i dont get ripped off;i would like to put in new syncros to ;how much extra should that be

[buymysoul]

The input shaft should work just fine in that 91 Si case. This is what I would do if I were you. You obviously know how to take the transmission apart now. I would take the DX input shaft (with gears) the 91 countershaft (with gears) the 91 Diff (with FD ring gear still attached) and put it in whichever case is cleaner.


a full rebuild kit for the L3 transmission is about $150 from www.transtarindusties.com That is for seals, bearings and syncros. If you want someone to do this work for you, I recommend my friends at www.effinmotorworks.com I doubt you will find someone who has a better knowledge of these transmissions anywhere and they are dirt cheap. Get a quote from several transmission shops around town, then shoot them an email. I'd bet they will be cheaper even with shipping costs.
Also, they might give you some kind of credit for that DX transmission (?) And, if you want to make your tranny a little peppier, they can put in ZC 1-4 gears if you want.

Off hand I can think of 6 or more L3 transmissions that Reuben has rebuilt in the last 2 years or so.

[transzex]

Honestly, you are in the relm of "custom" work and all hours billable.

It could take 2 hours, or 6 hours to properly fit the input shaft.

At my $25-30 a hour (me = no shop) or a shop with overhead ($50-70/hour) you can see how it might add up.

Effinmotorworks has a killer deal on the ZC gearing. Dunno how they do it, but they do.

[Kwicko]

Robin & Mista: Thanks for the props. I'm Mike, from Effin Motorworks. How do we do it? We buy in bulk, and we don't rape the customer! Honestly, we just don't mark the transmissions up as much as we should. This is a business, but it's a *hobby* business first and foremost. We started out with the idea that, if we could make enough to help support or car addictions, we'd be happy. We're not looking to quit our day jobs anytime soon, so just about anything we make off our car ventures is almost looked at as "bonus money". It all goes to more goodies, more research, more products, and more fun.

Reuben does top-notch work on the transmissions. We've even tried to challenge him a few times, and he always comes through with flying colors. :)

Just a quick question for Bulldog: Why do you want the input shaft from the DX? If there's not a problem with the '88 Si's input shaft, I'd say just use that. Yes, you'll need an '88 clutch to go with it, but a clutch kit and '88 flywheel would still come out cheaper than most custom transmission work will cost you. If you're able to use the Si input shaft (and the whole transmission from the '88), I'd say go that route for now.

Mike

[bulldogg9279]

well i just put in centerfoce clutch and a act 12lb flywheel 3,000 miles ago,so either throw 250$ away or change the input shaft,the Dx was grinding into 2nd when i took it out;i think im going to atempt it myself;i would like to get the hybrid from you guys; but money does not permit it at this point;i've got another question; what if i got just the disc for the 88si ;will it work with the bigger pressure plate

[buymysoul]

Mike, have you put the wagon torsion bars in your crx yet? How did it go, did you have to swap torque tubes also? Email me.

Bulldog, their is a (12mm or so?) difference in the flywheel diameter between the 88 and the 90-91 so I'm pretty sure it won't work out(?). But I'd say try to mock (sp?) it up at least.

You also might want to call ACT. Just searching around a little, I found lots of "Upgrade" packages (flywheel and clutch combos) that include an ACT clutch. I wonder if they sell a disc that is the 90-91 diameter with the correct spline count for that 88 tranny?

[buymysoul]

PS, I heard through the grape vine that the reason their work is so cheap is because Reuben is actually a slave that they keep caged up in David's AWD wagon! (The only way he gets food is by doing engine swaps and transmission rebuilds) THE HORROR!!!

[transzex]

Mike, we have "learned" our ART together, good to see the old school folk staying as one.

I know better because I FOCKED UP a few tranys.

[davens]

That's a vicious rumor...

We keep him in the garage because he'll leave greasy marks on the upholstery.

And the wagon torsion swappage is half way done...We've got Mike's old CRX bars in the wagon. The wagon bars will go in Mike's CRX with it's new engine.

[bulldogg9279]

well i switched the shaft my self; and theres no parts left over :D; it seems to spin fine ;and engage every gear;funny thing is it only took an hour